Turtle Nesting Zones

Turtle Nesting Zones

Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

Nearly any time of year, you can see sea turtles nesting on the beaches of Costa Rica, or newly hatched baby turtles racing as fast as they can across the sand to the sea. Five species of sea turtles come to Costa Rica along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Sea turtle nesting tours in Costa Rica are an incredible experience to see this ancient migration lifecycle take place.

The most famous place to observe sea turtles in Costa Rica is Tortuguero National Park on the northern Caribbean Coast. Tortuguero is one of the most important nesting places in the world for endangered Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). These beaches also are vital nesting sites for endangered Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Crucial to the sea turtles’ survival is the Sea Turtle Conservancy, which has worked in the Tortuguero area since 1959 to save and protect these ancient species.

Further south along the Caribbean Coast, the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife and Marine Refuge also receives Leatherback, Hawksbill and Loggerhead sea turtles for nesting.

On the Pacific Coast, giant Leatherback turtles make their nests at the Las Baulas National Park at Playa Grande. The critically endangered leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle alive and is one of the biggest reptiles in the world. It gets its name from its leathery shell with deep ridges that is distinct from the usual strong shield that other turtles have.

The amazing phenomenon of massive arrivals of hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) coming ashore all at once to lay their eggs at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is one of the world’s most spectacular nature events. This protected beach on the Nicoya Peninsula can be covered with thousands upon thousands of sea turtles during these huge arribadas (meaning “arrivals” in Spanish). Ostional is the second largest nesting site in the world for Olive Ridley sea turtles, and is also visited by Leatherback and Pacific Green sea turtles.

A little south of Ostional on the Nicoya Peninsula, the undeveloped Camaronal Beach near Samara is also a nesting site for Olive Ridley, Leatherback and Hawksbill sea turtles.

Protecting the Sea Turtles in Costa Rica

To help Costa Rica’s efforts in sea turtle conservation, it is important to always go on officially-approved tours with certified guides to turtle nesting sites. When visiting any sea turtle nesting beach, please follow these rules to ensure the turtles are protected and not disturbed: wear dark clothing at night for camouflage, do not shine bright lights or use camera flashes around the turtles, do not touch the turtles, and do not make loud noises which could scare the turtles.

Eating turtle eggs or turtle meat, or buying souvenirs or products made from turtles, is illegal in Costa Rica and is directly harmful to the existence of the species. Preserving sea turtle nesting beaches and respecting the turtles both on land and in the ocean is necessary for their continued survival.